Comets welcome change for '06 season

SAN MARCOS -- Change. Ironically, it's the one thing that stays
the same in community college football, where a hodgepodge of
players -- ranging from local products to college and out-of-state
transfers -- annually keeps fans and coaches on their collective
heels.

For the Palomar College football team, change will be welcomed
as last year's 4-6 mark earned the Comets their first back-to-back
losing seasons since 1981-82.

Enter starting quarterback Tyler Lorenzen, a Division I transfer
from Iowa State, who already has created a buzz around the Comets'
camp. Listed as a tight end while with the Cyclones, the 6-foot-5
Lorenzen made the decision to step down from Division I to the
community college level for the chance to play what he feels is his
natural position.

"I felt like I had one chance to play quarterback and that's
where my heart is," said Lorenzen, a graduate of
Eddyville-Blakesburg High in Eddyville, Iowa. "When my high school
teammate Tyler Fenton (Palomar's second-leading receiver last
season) told me they needed a quarterback, I said, 'let's go.'
"

Lorenzen leaves behind a family tradition of being a
student-athlete for Iowa State. His father, Jerry, played fullback
on the football team from 1979-82, cousin Lynne played women's
basketball for the Cyclones from 1987-91 and sister Nicole is a
senior and captain of the volleyball team.

Preliminary on-field returns look promising for Lorenzen, who
has been sharp in practices and scrimmages, completing 8-of-13
passes for two touchdowns in the Comets' annual intrasquad
scrimmage last Saturday.

Fifth-year head coach Joe Early is excited about the talent
level Lorenzen brings and equally excited about the leadership
skills he possesses.

"What we're trying to establish (this offseason) is
accountability," Early said. "We have guys with better leadership
qualities than last year, guys who have the potential to step up
and be locker-room leaders.

"This kid has already been at the next level and knows what it
takes to be successful. He has a good arm and that Midwest
mentality where he just works and works."

Early said that last year's team was talented but underachieved
because it lacked in team chemistry and leadership. Sixteen players
from last year's squad transferred to four-year schools, seven of
whom accepted offers from Division I programs. However, the talent
level and recruiting remain strong as 15 out-of-area recruits and
15 transfers join the scarlet and silver.

Offensively, Early said that fans should expect to see a much
different game plan than last season.

He said the Comets will still run the ball -- starter Billy
Hibdon (Ramona High) returns and will be joined by Temecula's
Donnell Fulford in the backfield -- but now have the capability of
throwing the ball downfield, which will open up the offense and
give Palomar the liberty of being aggressive at any time, something
he hopes will keep opposing defenses off-balance and guessing.

A talented receiving corps comprised of Tobias Shanks, who joins
the Comets via San Diego State, Nebraska native Marques Parker and
Fenton should give Lorenzen the weapons needed to stretch the
field. Lorenzen said the offensive line looks ready and expects a
solid performance from his blockers.